Wireless communication devices with multiple receive (RX) chains may be operated to maintain high performance while saving power. This may be accomplished by evaluating signal strength during transmission of the RX packets, and/or evaluating a possible imbalance (gain difference) between the multiple RX chains within the wireless communication device. Signal strength (or good signal) detection may be enabled when non-MIMO (non-multiple-in-multiple-out) transmissions are taking place, while imbalance detection (antenna gain comparison) may be enabled when a specified number of single-stream packets have been received. Once the decision has been made to operate in a reduced number RX path mode, decision to reactivate one or more additional RX paths may be made based on MIMO detection, a detection of a drop in signal quality, and/or upon expiration of a power save timer.